Cartoons with Great Music

You all loved my piece about the music of "A Goofy Movie" so I'm digging deeper with more cartoons, this time television shows, that gave us some bangers! Read on.

Stanley - Featuring the Baha Men

If you were today years old when you found out the Baha Men sang the "Stanley" theme song, you're not alone. Growing up, "Stanley", a show on the network that was previously called Playhouse Disney, was one of my favorite shows! My favorite song was from the Halloween episode, when Stanley's pet cat and dog were figuring out what to be for the holiday. Recently, I was craving a little nostalgia and decided to search for it online. That lead me down a YouTube rabbit hole. I had forgotten how much I loved this show, and the songs slapped! The Baha Men gave us hits like "Move it Like This" and of course "Who Let the Dogs Out" so it would be out of character for them to half ass this theme song. They gave us 150% and I am forever grateful.

The Backyardians

"The Backyardians" started to trend on TikTok in 2020. Favorites included the theme song, "Castaways", "International Super Spy" and of course "Into the Thick of It". And they all were bangers. I even heard an "Into the Thick of It" remix recently at a drag show in Los Angeles! I would also like to argue that the theme song is a little Beatle-esque. I could hear this song on "Magical Mystery Tour" or "Yellow Submarine" if it was sung with older voices. Feel free to quote me, I know I'm crazy, but those harmonies? *Chef's kiss*

Phineas and Ferb - Featuring Bowling for Soup and More!

I could write a whole thesis about the music from this show. Bowling for Soup sang the theme song and were even featured in an episode as themselves! Other guests included, Clay Aiken and Chaka Khan. "Phineas and Ferb" had at least one song per episode and they all slapped. "Gitchee Gitchee Goo" is a 60s masterpiece. Even the Doofenshmirtz Evil Incorporated jingle is classic. And who can forget the band episode that gave us a rock, blues, funk, metal AND psychedelic music lesson? And the mom character, was a spoof on Cyndi Lauper: "I'm Lindana and I wanna have fun". Then, the rollercoaster episode where the boys paid homage to "West Side Story", "Fiddler on the Roof" and many more famous musicals. As for me, my favorite song from the show will forever be "Squirrels in My Pants". It's absurd, humorous and a great song.

Spongebob Squarepants

I mean was there even a question? "This Grill is Not a Home", "Sweet Victory". Bops. "Ripped Pants" was a spoof on The Beach Boys ("Be True To Your School"). And did you know David Bowie once guest starred? ("Atlantis Squarepantis"). And I'll be damned if anyone forgets Kelpy G. What's your favorite song from the show? I don't think I can pick just one!

The Proud Family - Featuring Solange and Destiny's Child

Yes, Solange and Destiny's Child performed the theme song for the original "Proud Family" series. Plus, the show's soundtrack album features Alicia Keys, India.Arie, as well as Aretha Franklin and the O'Jays.

The Magic School Bus - Featuring Little Richard

That's right! The man who invented rock n roll sang the theme to one of the greatest children's educational programs of all time! And Lin-Manuel Miranda provided the vocals on the recent Netflix reboot.

Kim Possible - Featuring Christina Milian

Not only did its theme song slap, but "Kim Possible" provided some memorable tunes throughout the entirety of its run. Growing up as a 90s baby, the amount of times I listened to the soundtrack on my Hello Kitty CD player...the limit does not exist. I even sang "This Year" by A*Teens in my third grade talent show. And who can forget the "Naked Mole Rat" song?

All Grown Up

The sequel series to the "Rugrats" is underrated. The theme song was a bop sung by Canadian singer Cree Summer.

And finally: As Told By Ginger - Featuring Macy Gray

"Favorite cartoon ever cause I sang the theme song," said Macy Gray, "the best theme song in the whole wide world." PERIOD.

So, what do you think? Did I miss any of your favorites? Comment your favorite cartoon songs below!